Most of the 200 animals in Henry County have found foster homes thanks to volunteers throughout the state and outside of the state.

Now the next phase in this case begins.

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The latest is the warrants have been signed and the county sheriff's department is just waiting for their arrival in court to serve the arrests of those involved in the neglect and cruelty of more than 200 animals.

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"One thing we're trying to do is we're trying to say Henry County is a good place for animals to live," said Henry County magistrate and animal service chairman Roger Hartlege.

One way to prove that, according to Hartlege, is to bring abusers to justice and prosecute.

And the Henry County animal abuse case is a perfect example.

"There's a warrant for the arrest for the remaining two. I feel comfortable when we do find them, they'll be arrested. Then the court system will take it from there, and the judge will take it from there," said Hartlege.

Animal control officials said Terri and Ken Smith, who lived on the property are still on the run, and responsible for the deplorable living conditions for more than 200 animals ranging from dogs, cats and horses to hamsters, hermit crabs and federally protected wildlife.

Thanks to hundreds of volunteers from Henry County, surrounding areas and out of state, almost all of the animals are now in foster homes, being prepared for eventual adoption.

Another person charged, Karen Nellums, has already come forward. But it's yet to be determined how many counts of animal cruelty she'll face.

Once district court processes the warrants, sheriff's deputies said they're ready to act.

It's a precedent Henry County residents and officials want to set -- to help change Kentucky's reputation for animal abuse, and the county's care for animals.

"If we do hear complaints of mistreatment of animals, we're going to look at it and bring them to the table and ask them what's going on and to do the right thing," said Hartlege.

Just this year, the Kentucky Humane Society contract with the Henry County animal shelter expired with them and they are leasing the current building.

But animal control officials said that hasn't stopped their progress. They are in the process of building a new shelter for Henry and Trimble counties with a larger staff.

According to the animal abuse crime database, 40 percent of the animal abuse cases in Kentucky were for abandonment and neglect. Another 16 percent came from hoarding. The remaining 50 percent included shooting, dog fighting and beating.